The initiative aims to ensure adherence to safety regulations, employee registration, and fair remuneration practices. Chief inspector Manelisi Luxande led an enforcement session on Friday (7/11) at Hangda Steel, a steel manufacturing company in Thaba Nchu. 

The session brought together employees, management, and representatives from the Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA), which oversees workplace injury and compensation claims. “We basically enforce all labour laws across the spectrum of the economy,” said Luxande.

This engagement followed unannounced inspections conducted at the company on 23 August 2025, which were prompted by a worker’s complaint.

The initial inspection, led by Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya, uncovered several instances of non-compliance, including unsafe working conditions, a lack of registration with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation Fund, and underpayment of employees for hours worked.

Sibiya and the RMA team later conducted an advocacy session for both employers and employees to promote compliance and awareness of workplace rights. 

The deputy minister of employment and labour, Jomo Sibiya, together with the Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA). Photo: Refilwe Bekane

During the session, Sibiya provided feedback on the inspection findings and detailed the department’s next steps. “We don’t want you to die because of the hazardous material that is in the building,” said Sibiya.

According to Luxande, companies that ignore compliance directives face confirmatory notices and possible prosecution through the CCMA or Labour Court. Workers are guaranteed payment for any outstanding wages during this process.

“Once you do not correct, we come back to give you a confirmatory notice that says, without further notice to you, we shall prosecute you and take you to the relevant platform,” said Luxande.

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OFM News/Refilwe Bekane mvh